Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

🥬 Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Mediterranean-Inspired)

A fresh, light twist on classic teriyaki chicken—these lettuce wraps balance sweet-savory flavors with Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs. Perfect for a healthy lunch or quick dinner, they’re low-carb, protein-rich, and incredibly satisfying.

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🌿 Description

Juicy chicken is pan-seared in extra-virgin olive oil, glazed in a homemade teriyaki-style sauce made lighter with honey, lemon, and garlic. Crisp lettuce cups replace tortillas, while fresh vegetables and herbs add crunch and brightness—Mediterranean simplicity meets Asian-inspired flavor.

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📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)

Mediterranean Teriyaki Sauce

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (Mediterranean touch)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)

Vegetables & Garnish

• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 small carrot, grated

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• Butter lettuce, romaine hearts, or iceberg leaves

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Add chopped chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

3. Add Vegetables
   Stir in bell pepper and carrot. Cook 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

4. Glaze
   Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until thick, glossy, and coating the chicken.

5. Assemble
   Spoon the warm teriyaki chicken into lettuce leaves.
   Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or Mediterranean cucumber salad

• Add avocado slices or a Greek yogurt drizzle for creaminess

• Perfect as an appetizer or light main dish

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❓ Q & A

Q: Is this recipe Mediterranean diet–friendly?
A: Yes! It uses olive oil, lean protein, fresh vegetables, herbs, and reduced sugar—key Mediterranean principles.

Q: Can I make it low-carb or keto?
A: Absolutely. Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener and skip cornstarch or use a very small amount.

Q: What lettuce works best?
A: Butter lettuce is ideal for flexibility, but romaine or iceberg works well for crunch.

Q: Can I meal-prep this?
A: Yes. Store the chicken filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Assemble wraps fresh.

Q: Can I use another protein?
A: Definitely. Ground turkey, shrimp, or tofu are excellent substitutes.